Wills' Mineral Processing Technology, 8th Edition

Chapter 1

Introduction

The forms in which metals are found in the crust of the earth and as seabed deposits depend on their reactivity with their environment, particularly with oxygen, sulfur, and carbon dioxide. Gold and platinum metals are found principally in the native or metallic form. Silver, copper, and mercury are found native as well as in the form of sulfides, carbonates, and chlorides. The more reactive metals are always in compound form, such as the oxides and sulfides of iron and the oxides and silicates of aluminum and beryllium. The naturally occurring compounds are known as minerals, most of which have been given names according to their composition (e.g., galena—lead sulfide, PbS; cassiterite—tin oxide, SnO₂).

Keywords

Minerals; ...